12 Ways to Make Your Words Count by Arlene Knickerbocker

In this powerful book, I was reminded of how words impact our lives. We have been pained by words and we have used them to hurt others.

Arlene reminds us that it doesn't have to be that way. By God's power and example, we can use words the way He desires. He has blessed us and He wants us to bless others.

Arlene helps us understand God's purpose for our words. We are to use our words to enrich others and express godly character. She explores the trustworthiness of God's Word, an incentive for trustworthiness in our words. She reminds us the value our words should have, the relationship between thoughts and words, our response to verbal abuse, the influence of words and the impact of foul words. She writes about cognitive dissonance, when there is a discrepancy between what we believe and what we say and do.

I was challenged by this book. I was reminded what the Bible says about our words. I was convicted when she pointed out how our words reflect our core beliefs. Changing our words is not enough. The necessary change must be at the core belief level.

This is much more than just a book about words. It is about belief, faith, and behavior. To help cement her insights into our being, she has added prayers and thoughtful questions at the end of each chapter.

“As God's children,” Arlene writes, “created in His image, our words will not come back empty-handed. They can accomplish great things – or not. God gave us the gift of speech to honor Him and encourage faith in others.” (202)

Each of us speaks about 30,000 words a day. Are you using them to leave scars or to bless others? If you are ready to have your words conform to the purpose God desires, this is a good place to start.

Arlene Knickerbocker has worked in business most of her adult life. Much of her experience has been in management and marketing. She has also taught

Bible studies for all ages. Now she uses her skills to write, edit, speak, and teach. She has had more than 700 of her articles published in various venues. She has written two books and was a co-author for another. She teaches writing through her website and locally. She and her husband have three adult children and ten grandchildren. Find out more about her at

http://www.thewritespot.org/knicksnotes/home-page.html

The Write Spot, 215 pages.

Buy the book here.

I received a complimentary digital galley of this book from the author for the purpose of this review.